Joyce Carol Thomas (1938–2016)

Thirteen poems celebrate the many skin tones to be found in the African-American community, and the diverse families who created them, in Joyce Carol Thomas' The Blacker the Berry. A young boy in Raspberry Black proudly claims his Seminole great-great-grandmother, whose children were "the color of black dipped in red." A young girl comes to understand, in Golden Goodness," that her bronzed skin is a beautiful and generous hue. Another child, in Cranberry Red, notes that her Irish ancestors show more "reddened the Africa in my face."

While I approve whole-heartedly of the dual purpose of Thomas' book, to increase awareness of the diversity within the African-American community, and to promote a positive self-image for the children of that community, I wasn't always "wowed" by the poems themselves. I was also a little uncomfortable with Snowberries, in which a light-skinned girl wishes that she were "as black as midnight." While this might be an understandable feeling, in a world that doesn't acknowledge diversity, it struck me as out of keeping with the affirmative nature of the rest of Thomas' pieces. Surely, if the point is to encourage children to feel good about who they are, then being a "Snowberry" should be something to be celebrated?

Leaving aside this one questionable piece however, the overall tone is one of joy - an impression heightened by Floyd Cooper's beautiful oil paintings, which were awarded the 2009 Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration. A lush palette, deft use of light, and a tenderly expressive "tone" make these illustrations a true pleasure to contemplate! Well worth the honors bestowed upon them! show less

Ages 7-11

In the Land of Milk and Honey tells the true story of Thomas’s family moving from Oklahoma to California in 1948 in search of greater opportunity. The narrator’s voice exudes anticipation, hope, and possibility on the way to San Francisco, a multicultural city filled with music and colors.

Thomas’s narrative unfolds in free form poetry. Examples of alliteration, repetition, simile, and metaphor abound. From the train window, Joyce sees “a snake whose body is a pen writing show more calligraphy” and in San Francisco she hears “ever-changing rhythms / call the feet to follow the beat.”

Floyd creates illustrations with a vintage feel: they are grainy with hints of sepia, reflecting memories recalled from long ago. Floyd includes detailed landscapes with leaping coyotes, lush fields, and the overwhelming expanse of the Golden Gate bridge; however, the illustrations focus on portraits of young Joyce and her family, emphasizing expressions of wonder and close family ties.

For children learning about poetry or how to describe their homes or travels with vivid language, In the Land of Milk and Honey serves as an excellent example. The words evoke all five of the senses to illuminate a special time and place in the reader’s mind. Highly recommended. show less

This was a great spin on the traditional tale of Cinderella, and one that young girls--or readers in general can actually relate to. In contrast to the traditional tale, there was no fairy god mother in this book. Cinderella went after her dreams on her own. I really appreciate that in a "fairytale" because in life there are no fairy god mother's. It is great to teach children that they can accomplish great things on their own--they can create their own magic. In addition, this tale brought show more a multi-cultural reference which children can never have enough of. show less

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this version of Cinderella. In Thomas's book, Queen Mother Rhythm is the leader of the Great Gospel Choir and she has a baby girl who she sings to every day. A hurricane sweeps her baby girl away and she doesn't see her again. The baby girl ends up being discovered by Crooked Foster Mother who already has twin girls of her own, Hennie and Minnie. Just as in most versions of Cinderella, the Crooked Foster mother and stepsisters treat the baby girl, Cinderella, show more terribly. She does all the cooking, and cleaning, and is never given praise or respect. When Queen Mother Rhythm wants to retire, they hold a singing competition to find the next leader. Of course Cinderella makes her way there, wows everyone, and disappears. The Queen sends her runners to find the mystery voice and they discover it is Cinderella and she is reunited with her loving, soulful, and singing mother. I loved the southern writing and the nods to alligators, hurricanes, and gospel culture which is so prevalent in the south. The book read beautifully and the illustrations added a rich level with their stylized images. I could picture and hear this book come alive while reading. show less